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Dustin Mack Obituary
Chatham, IL—Chatham – Dustin A. Mack, 38, passed away at 4:15 P.M. Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at his residence in Chatham, IL.
Dustin was born March 29, 1981 in Springfield, IL a son to Richard M. Mack & Shelia A. (Mack) – Wisnasky.
Dustin was a 1999 graduate of Auburn High School where he enjoyed playing basketball, football and running track. He worked as a Technician in the Heating and Air Conditioning Industry, where he was set to take over the Mack's family business. Dustin loved nice cars and jewelry and took pride in his enormous shoe collection. Dustin loved his children, family and and friends very much!
Dustin was the oldest of 3 children. Outwardly, Dusty looked like he had it all: confidence, athletic ability, height, beautiful blue eyes, broad smile and the ability to engage and forge a relationship with anyone. Inwardly, Dustin was fighting his own battle with mental illness. We loved Dustin with all of our hearts, but we now know that was not enough to fight mental illness alone, he turned to self medication.
This note is not an attempt to assign blame for Dustin's death. We write this obituary in the hope that it may provide an insight to those that need to change their behavior, one day at a time.
Dustin could never be completely honest about the trouble he was in, but his love for his son and daughter became a lifeline over the past few years. He recently completed drug rehab, but the craving that comes from true addiction was more then he could overcome.
This note is a simple reminder to anyone struggling, that there are people who love you, with everything they have no matter what you do - don't be afraid, ashamed or scared to ask for help. Dustin had been attending Chatham Baptist Church where he found God. Dusty is finally at peace. We will forever miss your sense of humor, your knack for telling stories, your love of cars, your impeccable taste for only the BEST, and your rhythm on the dance floor.
Goodbye Dustin, you will be missed by so many, we love you and miss you so much!!!
Surviving Dustin are his parents; father, Richard Mack of Nilwood,IL, mother, Shelia Mack-Wisnasky of Springfield, his son, Sebastian A. Mack of Chatham, IL; his daughter, Briella L. Mack of Springfield, IL; brother, Dustin Speaks of Sylvester, TX; sisters, Amber R. (Nick) Bearss of Rochester, IL, Jenna M. (Wade) Mack-Stubbs of Springfield, IL; grandmother, Beverly B. Bailey of Springfield, IL; 2 nieces, 2 nephews and several aunts and uncles.
Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. Sunday, December 29, 2019, at the Calvert & Ferry Funeral Home in Auburn, IL. Funeral Service will be at 11:30 A.M. Monday, December 30, 2019, at the Funeral Home in Auburn, IL, with the Rev. John Huxtable officiating.
Memorials may be made to Dustin Mack Children, c/o: Amber Bearss, 18 Twilight Lane, Springfield, IL. Interment will be in Union Chapel Cemetery, Girard, IL. To leave a comment for the family please visit: www.calvert-ferryfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dustin Mack
Sponsored by Calvert & Ferry Funeral Home Auburn.
Our cousin Sara and Matt's wedding
Amber Bearss
January 13, 2020
Wow to read these messages left for our family has me in tears but they are tears not only because I miss my brother so much but because of the kind words spoken. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Tracie Fishburn
January 2, 2020
Dustin's obituary speaks deeply to the heart and truth of those who struggle with addiction. If in your death, you save even one life - then it will have not been in vein. There is an epidemic sweeping across the nation, and certainly here in Springfield. May your life and the depth of the struggle you so deeply faced - be a testimony to the masses and the message of hope rise up for those in desperate need of a life line. Praying for this city. Love you Sheila, Jenna and family. ❤
Olivia Pettersson
December 31, 2019
Loved & missed forever.
December 31, 2019
I am so sorry to hear about Dustin. I suppose he and Cory are together again...it feels like such a tragedy, but our heavenly home is peaceful and loving. He is at peace. I am so sorry for your loss. Barb Harbison
Vicki & Norman Megginson
December 30, 2019
We just returned to Springfield and learned about Dustin. No words are adequate to express enough comfort at this time. We hope that others reading Dustin's obituary who have or are feeling similarly will be encouraged to seek services. We are so sorry for your loss and we will pray for Dustin and your family.
Theresa Harvey
December 30, 2019
Sorry to hear that u were going thru so much.. I roo jave loat loved ones to suicide because of drugs... It's very sad and hard to deal with.. U were so smart and great at everything u did.. U will be missed dearly.. R.I.P.
Sallie Fry
December 30, 2019
.I was so very sorry to hear of your lose, no parent should have to bury their child. My heart breaks for you. You are in my prayers
Todd and Valerie Dye
December 30, 2019
To the entire Mack family (and extended family), we are so very sorry about the loss of Dustin. Our hearts and prayers are with you all.
Kim
December 30, 2019
I met Dustin through my son. We shared some fun times on Sunday Fundays; Dustin always had a lot of energy! He was charming and had a great smile. I know Dustin will be missed by those closest to him. My heart goes out to his family. Thank you for sharing Dustin's story; may he rest in peace. And I pray that God be with those he left behind and give them comfort and peace.
Dustin and Joel 1996
Joel Christner
December 29, 2019
My heart broke at the news of Dustin's passing. He was an amazing friend and brother early in our lives. I wish we had stayed connected. Sending Rich, Sheila, Amber, Jenna, and the rest of the Mack (and extended) family lots of love.
Bobbie Hahn
December 29, 2019
Dustin and my daughter were very good friends for years. She loved him dearly as a friend! My son is in heaven as well... and I know he is FREE now... I will see him again.. he's only in the next room waiting for us all.. Thats how we cope.. We will be together again! God Bless the family with Comfort from above! We are Praying for all of you.. The words I shared someone shared with me... and it helped sooo much for all of us!!
Shirley Allgood
December 29, 2019
I don't know Dustin, I just wanted to Thank you for your courage in sharing Dustin's story. I to know what it's like to have mental illness. It's really hard to know what the person is truly going through. God bless you and your family. May Dustin be one of God's brightest angel's watching over you.
A Freind
December 29, 2019
To Dustin's family and friends: I never met, nor even knew of, Dustin before reading this obituary, which I did only because his age caught my attention. So young.
Having lost both parents, a brother and many other members of my family and friends, I sincerely empathize with your loss.
I also know the tremendous expense of posting such a lengthy obituary. usually, such a tribute is limited to personal history, anecdotes, vignettes, etc. Although these were covered, so much of this is a message - a VERY powerful message - that clearly came from experience, knowledge and, most importantly, the heart.
I can only imagine how much you struggled with the decision to reveal such intimate details, as well as the words to do so, but you did so in such an unselfish, eloquent, respectful and factual manner that I have no doubt it will resonate with many people.
You may never know how much of an impact your words will have and you may never know how many lives they may change, or even save. But, I have no doubt they will have a positive impact. More importantly, knowing only what you wrote, I feel certain Dustin would be so proud of your strength and compassion.
As you noted, sometimes life has to be measured, and taken, one day at a time. The pain of his death will challenge each of you, but the memories of his life, and knowledge that he accepted Christ and has an eternal life free of challenges or pain, will see you through the dark days.
As I remember your heartfelt words, so to will I remember Dustin Mack.
May God grant each of you peace and comfort.
Mike Reid
December 29, 2019
I didn't know Dustin and know his mom a little bit, but when I learned of this, it really hit home. I know the pain Dustin was feeling, and am blessed to be alive. Trying to imagine Sheila's pain now sheds a bright light for me on the "survived by..." Thank you for being so brave to share that amazing obituary. I plan to share it with my therapist and possibly in group(s). God Bless you and help you heal... Amen.
Always a happy, laughing kid. Ever the charmer. We will miss so many things about you dear cousin. Love you. Rest in peace.
Melissa Brown
December 28, 2019
Matt Stouffe
December 28, 2019
I definitely do not know the right words to say but I know I had some of the best times of my life with you bro. Rest In Peace bud I will never forget you. I know what you battled, I fight it everyday of my life also. Addiction is real and I take it one day, one step at a time. I know I'll see you again on the other side.
To the Mack family my heart goes out to you
Alison Harbour
December 28, 2019
Rest in sweet eternal peace Dustin. My heart is breaking for the Mack family. Thank you for your honesty and I pray that people struggling will get help. As a mother that lost her son to addiction and mental health issues, I feel your pain and believe me when I say, your family will help you get through each day. Hugs and prayers.
Monica Boulanger
December 28, 2019
The times spent with you was nothing short of hilarious, fun, and just good times. I'll miss ya much Mack..
Kathryn Harris
December 28, 2019
There are no words to share with you Sheila. Parents are not to bury their children ... my heart aches for you and your family. The obit in today's paper was beautiful, poignant and touching and it is my hope and prayer that it might save just one person and cause him to reach out for help and support. I believe his life was not in vain ... I pray that good memories will bring smiles through your tears.
Sending you warm thoughts...Your Sister in Rotary...
December 28, 2019
I have fond memories of Dustin playing basketball with Kyle and Marc. Your commentary was beautifully written by people who loved him. I pray it reaches those who may need to hear it and touches the hearts of those needing comfort. I hope knowing Dustin fond God will bring you peace.
The Featherstones
Scott A. Slagle Sr.
December 28, 2019
RIP
Ashley Tobias
December 27, 2019
I am finding it hard to type out the right words- Please know that we are so unbelievably sorry for your loss. There were many times I saw greatness in Dustin over the years & that is what we will remember. We are praying for all of you in your time of grieving. - Ash & Tay
Michele Stratton
December 27, 2019
My heart is so broken!! We never saw each other on a regular basis, but when we did see each other he always would give me the biggest and tightest hug ever!! I will miss those, I Love you Cousin, Give Grandma Flossy a hug from me!!
Sandy (Macleod) Hughes
December 27, 2019
So sorry for your loss.
Erika P
December 27, 2019
Though I didn't know Dustin, i pray for all of you. Thank you so much for sharing his story. My heart rejoices in his salvation and I hope it brings you all comfort that you will see and hug him again in heaven.
May the love and peace of Jesus be with you today and in days to come.
David S
December 27, 2019
I did not know Dustin, but thanks to his friends I have come across this obituary. My prayers and thoughts to all the family and his friends. Bless you all for being so brave and taking the added step to share his story. If this helps just one person, if this helps get the word out about addiction and mental illness and helps to alleviate and eliminate the stigma then your efforts are well worth it. It is my most sincere hope that time and happy memories ease the pain of your loss.
Lester Harvill
December 27, 2019
My sympathies for the loss of Dustin and the heartache his family must be feeling. A good friend of mine lost his son last year and wrote a song about it. It's by Lyman Ellerman and it's titled. The Addict. Please give it a listen in your time of sorrow. It says a lot about the walk they walk. May God be with Dustin and his family during these trying times.
Lisa Evans
December 27, 2019
My sincere condolences to all of the Mack family. May peace be with you all.
Angelo's
December 27, 2019
So sorry for your loss
Carol Hamm
December 27, 2019
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Dustin to his parents his siblings and his children,family and friends.Our prayers our with you now and in the months ahead. Sincerely Carol and Scott Hamm
KAYLA KELLUS
December 27, 2019
LOVE YOU ALL
Brian MacKenzie
December 27, 2019
I always thought the world of Dustin. I enjoyed playing basketball with him and talking about car stereos. He was an enormously talented person. Rest In Peace D Mack.
KAYLA KELLUS
December 27, 2019
I LOVE YOU ALL. IM BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN THIS FAMILY FOR OVER 20 YEARS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL. NO MORE PAIN FOR DUSTIN.
Be light in my darkness, be hope in my fear, be love in every moment, and give me grace to face each day ahead. Amen
Tanya Cox
December 27, 2019
I didn't know Dustin well at all. But I have many friends who thought very highly of him. Please accept my most sincere condolences. This was beautifully written, I hope it helps save another family the heartache you are left with.
Kathy Hays
December 27, 2019
Sheila, Jenna and family , I'm so very sorry for your loss. You all will be in my prayers for strength to get you through. Love Kathy Jo Hays
Jenna Mack-stubbs
December 27, 2019
I love you brother with all of my heart!
Neil Patel
December 27, 2019
Prayers for the family. Dustin always was hospitable and forthcoming. May the angels be with you my dude.
Rest in peace Dustin!
Lenny Hamende
December 27, 2019
My thoughts and prayers for your entire family
Pattie Colby
December 27, 2019
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved son.
Austin Mabie
December 26, 2019
Rest in paradise brother u will be truly missed by all !
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